Covering to extend the useful life and regulate the potency of air freshening products

ABSTRACT

A covering for an air freshener includes one or more walls including one or more apertures. The covering also includes a first opening configured to permit insertion of an air freshener and a second opening configured to permit passage of a hanger attached to the air freshener. The covering is configured to house the air freshener while hanging from a support member via the hanger.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/631,128, filed Dec. 28, 2011. The subject matter of this earlier-filed application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to air fresheners, and more specifically, to a removable covering that is configured to hold a hangable air freshener.

BACKGROUND

It has become popular to place air fresheners inside confined spaces, such as automobiles. Air freshener products are often made out of absorbent paper, wood, or cotton material, and imbued with perfumes and/or other scent-emitting chemicals. Air freshener products may also be containers or vials filled with essential oils, perfumes, or other scent-emitting agents. Air fresheners can mask foul odors from a variety of sources, or they may be used simply to create a pleasant-smelling environment inside an automobile, for instance. Often, air freshening products for use in small spaces contain an attached hanging device so the air freshener may be hung from a convenient location, such as the rear-view mirror of an automobile.

Most consumer-grade air freshener products, particularly those designed for use in automobiles, are short-lived in their functionality. When exposed to air, they often rapidly lose their air freshening properties. Additionally, the scent from these air freshening or fragranced products can be overwhelming when first used, emitting scent in excess of a customer's desired level of emission. The scent emission then rapidly tapers off as the product is exposed to air. Another disadvantage of many air freshener products, particularly those designed for use in automobiles, is that, due to the absorptive nature of the material used to make the air freshening device, it is not possible to use vibrant, glossy, or metallic pigments or inks for images or designs printed on the air freshener. Accordingly, a way to extend the life of air fresheners may be beneficial.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide solutions to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully identified, appreciated, or solved by air freshening technologies. For example, some embodiments of the present invention include a removable covering that is configured to hold a hangable air freshener.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes one or more walls including one or more apertures. The apparatus also includes a first opening configured to permit insertion of an air freshener and a second opening configured to permit passage of a hanger attached to the air freshener. The apparatus is configured to house the air freshener while hanging from a support member via the hanger.

In another embodiment, a covering for an air freshener includes a plurality of sides having a plurality of apertures. The covering also includes a first opening configured to permit insertion of an air freshener and a second opening configured to permit passage of a hanger attached to the air freshener. The covering is configured to removably house the air freshener while hanging from a support member via the hanger.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus includes a plurality of sides having a plurality of apertures and a hanger attached to one or more of the plurality of sides. The apparatus also includes an opening configured to permit insertion of an air freshener. The apparatus is configured to removably house the air freshener while hanging from a support member via the hanger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a proper understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the accompanying figures. These figures depict only some embodiments of the invention and are not limiting of the scope of the invention. Regarding the figures:

FIG. 1( a) illustrates a front view of a rectangular covering with a fully inserted air freshener, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1( b) illustrates a front view of a rectangular covering with a partially inserted air freshener, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2( a) illustrates a perspective view of a rectangular covering with a fully inserted air freshener, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2( b) illustrates a perspective view of a rectangular covering with a partially inserted air freshener, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3( a) illustrates a perspective view of a cylindrical covering with a fully inserted air freshener, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3( b) illustrates a perspective view of a cylindrical covering with a partially inserted air freshener, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4( a) illustrates a perspective view of a spherical covering with a fully inserted air freshener, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4( b) illustrates a perspective view of a spherical covering with a partially inserted air freshener, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments, as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention.

The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of “certain embodiments,” “some embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a covering having a desired geometric shape that is configured to removably house a hangable air freshener. In other embodiments, the air freshener may be fixed within the covering via a staple, adhesive, or any other suitable means. The covering may fit snugly against the air freshener or may provide varying amounts of space as a matter of design choice. The covering may further be designed to conform to the shape of the air freshener. In some embodiments, the shape may be a rhomboid prism, a cylinder, a cone, any regular or irregular flat shape, a substantially flat shape, or any other suitable geometric shape.

The covering may be configured to slow the rate of emission of scent particles as compared to the rate that would be present in an uncovered air freshener. This may prolong the usable life of the air freshener, reducing the number of times that the user needs to replace the air freshener. In some embodiments, the covering includes vibrant, glossy, or metallic pigments and inks that are printed or otherwise applied directly on the outer surface of the covering in order to increase consumer appeal and satisfaction. In certain embodiments, ornamental decorations may be affixed, attached, or otherwise applied to the outer surface of the covering. The covering may be constructed from any of a number of different materials including, but not limited to, paper, paper-based material, plastic, cellophane, cloth, felt, metal, or other rigid or semi-rigid materials suitable for use in the construction of a covering. The materials used in the construction of the covering may be transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or opaque.

In some embodiments, the covering includes a first wall with at least three edges and a second wall with at least three edges. The first wall is attached to the second wall along one or more of the edges such that at least one edge includes an opening or slot to allow insertion and removal an air freshener and an edge on another side of the covering including an opening to permit the passage of a hanging device attached to the air freshener or the covering. The covering also includes at least one hole, slit, or other opening in at least one wall to facilitate the passage and transmission of scent. In embodiments where the hanging device is attached to the covering, the hole to permit passage of the hanging device.

As shown in FIGS. 1( a) and 1(b), covering A has a rectangular shape with a front face la and a back face (not shown). Front face la and the back face of covering A may be plain, colored, or adorned with printed images, text, graphics, or other decorative and ornamental elements. These printed elements may be of any appearance, including but not limited to matte, semi-glossy, glossy, metallic, or any combination thereof. Each wall of covering A includes multiple apertures 2 through which scent may pass. Apertures 2 may be slits in some embodiments, or any shape or design that would be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The apertures and/or slits 2 through which scent is transmitted may be of uniform or non-uniform size, and may be formed along front face 1 and the back face such that they are in a pattern or a random configuration. The apertures and/or slits 2 may range in size from one millimeter to ten millimeters in some embodiments.

Some of apertures 2 may be covered by a removable adhesive 3. The removable adhesive 3 is a removable cover, such as tape or a flap, to further control the emission of scent from the air freshener. In one embodiment, the perimeter of one or more apertures 2 may be perforated. In such embodiments, covering A may initially have had contiguous surfaces that were punctured or punched out to form apertures and/or slits 2. A bottom edge 4 is unsealed to allow the insertion of an air freshening product 5. A hanger 6 is attached to air freshening product 5. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, air freshening product 5 is shown as a dashed line in FIG. 1( a) to indicate that air freshening product 5 is housed inside covering A. As shown in FIG. 1( b), a top opening 7 of covering A accommodates the passage of hanger 6 through opening 7 such that covering A may be hung from an appropriate fixture.

FIGS. 2( a) and 2(b) show a rectangular covering A′ having a front face 101 with multiple apertures 102 on each face through which scent may pass. In some embodiments, multiple faces may have apertures. Some of apertures 102 may be covered by a removable adhesive 103 to control the rate of fragrance flow. A top portion 104 of covering A′ has an opening 105 facilitating the passage of a hanger 106 that is attached to an air freshening product 107. Air freshening product 107 is shown as a dashed line in FIG. 2( a), indicating that air freshening product 107 is housed inside covering A′. A bottom portion 108 of covering A′ is open to allow insertion of air freshening product 107. As shown in FIG. 2( b), a top opening 108 on covering A′ accommodates the passage of hanger 106 through opening 108 such that covering A′ may be hung from an appropriate fixture, such as a rear view minor.

FIGS. 3( a) and 3(b) show a cylindrical covering B having a top surface 201. Covering B has multiple apertures 202 through which scent may pass. Some of apertures 202 are covered by a removable adhesive 203 to control the rate of fragrance flow. A bottom side 204 of covering B is open to allow the insertion of an air freshening product 205. Air freshener product 205 is shown as a dashed line in FIG. 3( a), indicating that air freshening product 205 is housed inside covering B. An opening 206 in top surface 201 allows the passage of a hanger 207 that is attached to air freshening product 205. FIG. 3( b) depicts air freshening product 205 partially inserted into covering B.

FIGS. 4( a) and 4(b) show a spherical covering C having multiple apertures 301 over its surface 302. An air freshener product 303 is inserted into covering C through a bottom opening (not shown) covering C. Some of apertures 301 are covered by a removable adhesive 304 to control the flow of fragrance. An opening 305 in the top of covering C allows the passage of a hanger 306. Air freshener product 303 is shown with a dashed line to indicate that it is completely inserted within covering C. FIG. 4( c) depicts air freshening product 303 partially inserted into covering C.

Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a covering having multiple apertures on one or more surfaces. The apertures may be holes, slits, or any other suitable opening or mechanism to facilitate the passage of scent particles. An air freshener may be removably inserted inside the covering, which has an opening to permit passage of a hanger attached to the air freshener. When hanging, the covering may be supported by a snug fit to the air freshener and/or by a top surface of the air freshener while covering the air freshener. In such embodiments, a hanger may extend through the covering in order to removably attach the combined covering/air freshener assembly to a support member such as a rear view mirror of a car, a wall hook, or any other suitable support member.

One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: one or more walls comprising one or more apertures; a first opening configured to permit insertion of an air freshener; and a second opening configured to permit passage of a hanger attached to the air freshener, wherein the apparatus is configured to house the air freshener while hanging from a support member via the hanger.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the apertures is covered by a removable adhesive tape or a flap.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a rectangular, cubic, spherical, parallelepiped, or cylindrical shape.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more apertures are configured to transmit scent molecules at a desired rate, thereby increasing a useful life of the air freshener.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to conform to a shape of the air freshener and to make a close fit with the air freshener.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a size of the at least one aperture is between 1 and 10 millimeters.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is constructed from a fabric, a semi-rigid material, or a rigid material.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is constructed from a transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or opaque material.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises vibrant, glossy, or metallic pigments and inks.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises paper, paper-based material, plastic, cellophane, cloth, felt, metal, or another rigid or semi-rigid material.
 11. A covering for an air freshener, comprising: a plurality of sides having a plurality of apertures; a first opening configured to permit insertion of an air freshener; and a second opening configured to permit passage of a hanger attached to the air freshener, wherein the apparatus is configured to removably house the air freshener while hanging from a support member via the hanger.
 12. The covering of claim 11, wherein at least one of the plurality of apertures is covered by a removable adhesive tape or a flap.
 13. The covering of claim 11, wherein the covering has a rectangular, cubic, spherical, parallelepiped, or cylindrical shape.
 14. The covering of claim 11, wherein the plurality of apertures are configured to transmit scent molecules at a desired rate, thereby increasing a useful life of the air freshener.
 15. The covering of claim 11, wherein the covering is configured to conform to a shape of the air freshener and to make a close fit with the air freshener.
 16. The covering of claim 11, wherein the covering is constructed from a fabric, a semi-rigid material, or a rigid material.
 17. The covering of claim 11, wherein the covering is constructed from a transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or opaque material.
 18. The covering of claim 11, wherein the covering comprises vibrant, glossy, or metallic pigments and inks.
 19. The covering of claim 11, wherein the covering comprises paper, paper-based material, plastic, cellophane, cloth, felt, metal, or another rigid or semi-rigid material.
 20. An apparatus, comprising: a plurality of sides having a plurality of apertures; a hanger attached to one or more of the plurality of sides; and an opening configured to permit insertion of an air freshener, wherein the apparatus is configured to removably house the air freshener while hanging from a support member via the hanger. 